The Men's Houdini Full-Zip Jacket by Patagonia is soft, breathable and ultra light. The Houdini is a take-it-anywhere jacket with weather-resistant protection for every high-output endeavor.

Now you see it, now you don't - just like the sun on blustery days. Patagonia's ultralight Houdini can shed fickle weather, then disappear when the skies clear. It's also breathable enough to keep on as you crank through the next squall. The 1-oz 15-denier 100% nylon ripstop proves surprisingly durable, while the Deluge DWR (durable water repellent) finish wards off flurries six pitches from the deck. The lower-volume hood snugs around the face and head and adjusts three-dimensionally with a single pull. The jacket stuffs down to nothing in its own chest pocket, which has a secure zipper closure and a reinforced carabiner clip-in loop. Other details: Deluge DWR-coated center-front zipper, elastic cuffs, drawcord hem and a reflective logo.

I had just received the Houdini in the mail two days ago and the first test came tonight on a late night run. Big thunderstorm rolled in with temperature drop, wind and some rain. This jacket handled it all for the 30 minute run back to camp. Don't think twice, buy this jacket.

I love this jacket. It's so compact that it easily stuffs into its own pocket. It's the lightest wind jacket I could find and it has earned a spot in my backpacking gear, both summer and winter. I most often hike in east Tennessee. The fit is true to size, but I was slightly disappointed that I had to buy a large only because the waist size of the medium was too small (31-33, needed 34). The Houdini jacket is very wind resistant (haven't been out in over 15mph winds yet) and water resistant but NOT IN A DOWN POUR! I carry a tarp poncho to protect my pack and I from a down pour. I would recommend this product to anyone looking for the lightest wind shell on the market.

I keep this compact jacket in my pack just for emergencies. You never know when you may get a flat during a cold Spring shower. It weighs about as much as a spare CO2 cartridge and packs down enough were you could just slip it in your back jersey pocket.